Combination line trimmer and edger

ABSTRACT

An improved line trimmer and edging unit for lawn and garden use provides a multi-position accessory handle, a roller edge guide having a flange concentrically located about the motor shaft and being of sufficient diameter to maintain a consistent distance between the cutting plane and the object being edged around, symmetrically disposed safety switches, and a battery located symmetrically in-line with the center of the shaft of the unit. The combination lawn trimmer and edger unit may be used in a first, horizontal cutting plane position for lawn and weed trimming, and may be further used in a second, vertical cutting plane position for edging.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The inventors hereof claim the benefit of U.S. provisional patentapplication Ser. No. 60/287,364 filed Apr. 30, 2001.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates, generally, to improved line trimmer andedging devices for lawn and garden use; and, more specifically, to acombination line trimmer and edging device, further providing, in apreferred embodiment, a multi-position handle, a roller edge guide witha flange concentrically located about the motor shaft, dual-positionsafety switches symmetrically located about the central shaft of theunit; and, a battery pack located symmetrically in-line with the centerof the shaft of the unit.

BACKGROUND

For many years, powered line or blade-type trimmers have been offeredfor the trimming and weeding of lawns in the horizontal plane.Similarly, powered edgers have been offered for the cutting of lawnsaway from walkways and driveways in the vertical plane.

Consumers, in their desire to purchase and utilize only one tool forthese equivalent lawn cutting purposes, have attempted to use trimmersof the aforementioned type, intended for use in a horizontal positionfor grass and weed cutting purposes, in a rotated, vertical plane tofunction as a lawn edger.

Most of these units have a control handle, containing the powerswitches, and an accessory handle, for additional support of the unit'sweight and for use in maneuvering the unit in use. Disadvantageously,however, due to the designs of these handles, many units are notconvenient or safe to use in such a way. Often only a single accessoryhandle position is provided, optimized for use in the lawn cuttinghorizontal plane. Accordingly, when the device is held in the edgingposition, the accessory handle is generally in an inconvenient andoff-balance position.

Further contributing to the inconvenience in use of such devices in thevertical plane edging position, the on/off switch and the activationtrigger has been located in an inconvenient position. A switch ortrigger that is not in a convenient position raises the dual concernsthat the device might be started by accident, resulting in a device thatis both difficult to use and unsafe, or might be difficult to stop in anemergency situation.

Recent units have been developed that make it more convenient andcomfortable for the operator of the unit to more easily hold the unit inthe required vertical edging position. Some such units have devicesprovided for the rotation of the trimmer head about its shaft, in effectallowing rotation of the cutting plane. Often, however, such rotationdevices are cumbersome and inconvenient to use.

For edging use, in addition to the issue of maintaining an adequatecontrol position, devices have been developed to help guide the trimmerwith a consistent motion, so as to give the trimmed edge a neatappearance. Many such devices of this type comprise wheel-and-bracketarrangements, rubbing pads, or wire guide loops, configured to hold thetrimmer at a relatively uniform height.

Many such devices have been developed to safely hold the trimmer in anedging position, and to guide the trimmer in a linear motion, so as togive the trimmed edge a neat appearance. Most of these are of an A-frametype, with wheels mounted on the frame and the frame clamped to theshaft of the trimmer. Some of these types of devices allow the user toloosen the clamp and rotate the trimmer into an edger position. U.S.Pat. No. 4,922,694 to Emoto and U.S. Pat. No. 5,450,715 to Murray areexamples of this kind of device. Some of these devices, such as U.S.Pat. No. 4,224,784 to Hansen et al. have the wheels rotated 90 degreesto function as an edge guide. Still other designs have plates clamped tothe shaft which held wheels in an edging configuration, such as in U.S.Pat. No. 4,981,012 to Claborn. Other devices, such as U.S. Pat. No.5,228,276 to Miller, are merely axles which bolt to the trimmer.

Through the additional use of a vertical-plane feature in associationwith these devices, the orientation of the cutting plane to the adjacentvertical curbing surface can be controlled in a more consistent manner.Unfortunately, these devices are sometimes unwieldy to install, to use,and to store. Such devices do not provide a single tool solution to theproblem identified by many consumers.

It is, therefore, readily apparent that there is a need for a new andimproved combination line trimmer and edging device, further providing,in a preferred embodiment, two equally-convenient operating and controlpositions, a flanged roller edge guide, and dual-action safety switchessymmetrically located about the shaft of the device; and, in analternate embodiment, the above features including a battery locatedsymmetrically in-line with the center of the shaft of the device.

It is, therefore, to the provision of such an improved device that thepresent invention is directed.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Briefly described, in a preferred embodiment, the present invention bothovercomes the above-mentioned disadvantages, and meets the recognizedneeds for such a unit, by providing a line trimmer unit with anoperating and control position that changes easily from a positionconvenient for trimming, to one that is convenient for edging.

The unit, accordingly, is provided preferably with two sets of actuationand safety switches which, through their symmetrical location about thecontrol handle of the unit, and when used in association with themulti-position accessory handle and control handle of the unit, allowthe operator to easily flip or rotate the unit into a second operatingposition (from trimming mode to edging mode and vice versa), and,thereby, to maintain the controls in the exact same position withrespect to the operator. In this manner, the convenience to, and safetyof, the operator is optimized in either position.

In edging mode, a flanged roller edge guide that is preferably integralto the trimmer housing assembly assists the operator in creating auniformly-trimmed edge, and eliminates the need for complicatedappendages or techniques to perform this function. Advantageous to thepresent invention, the roller edge guide is integral to the trimmerhousing assembly is and concentrically located about the motor shaft.Because of this orientation, the roller edge guide can be of sufficientdiameter to allow easy rolling on most surfaces, while maintaining aconsistent distance between the cutting plane and the object beingedged, regardless of the angular orientation of the trimmer with respectto the operator or the working plane.

In a preferred embodiment, the power source (e.g., a battery) for theunit is located in a symmetrical, in-line orientation with respect tothe shaft of the unit. This orientation serves to ease the rotation ofthe unit between control positions, and also facilitates a consistentfeel during use in either of the two modes (trimming and edging) ofoperation. This consistency of feel is manifested in the way that themass of the power source affects the operational maneuverability of theunit. Accordingly, in either position the unit is equally well balanced.

Thus, it is an object of the present invention to provide a new andimproved combination line trimmer and edger that has a multi-positionaccessory handle which may be easily indexed amongst positions.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a new andimproved combination line trimmer and edger that has opposed,symmetrical motor actuation and safety switches.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a new andimproved combination line trimmer and edger that has an edging rollerwith a flange that is integral to the trimmer housing, which operates toassist the operator in creating a distinct trimmed edge, and whicheliminates the need for complicated apparatus to perform this function.

It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide a new andimproved combination line trimmer and edger wherein the roller edgeguide is integral to the trimmer housing and concentrically locatedabout the motor shaft, and whereby the roller edge guide is ofsufficient diameter to allow easy rolling on most surfaces, whilemaintaining a consistent distance between the cutting plane and theobject be edged around.

It is still a further object of the present invention to provide a newand improved combination line trimmer and edger with a battery locatedsymmetrically in-line with the center of the shaft of the unit.

It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide a new andimproved combination line trimmer and edger which may easily be used asa conventional trimmer, intended for use in a horizontal position forgrass and weed cutting purposes, and then rotated into a vertical planeto function as a lawn edger, all while providing secure and convenientcontrol of the unit in either such position, along with a balancedaspect and safe operation.

Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention willbecome apparent to those ordinarily skilled in the art by reference tothe accompanying Drawing Figures and to the Detailed Description of thePreferred Embodiment presented herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The present invention will be better understood by reading the DetailedDescription of the Preferred Embodiment with reference to theaccompanying drawing Figures, in which like reference numerals denotesimilar structure and refer to like elements throughout, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a side view of the combination lawn trimmer and edger unit ofthe present invention, demonstrating the handle and trimmer housing inthe trimmer configuration;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the combination lawn trimmer and edger unit ofthe present invention, demonstrating the handle and trimmer housing inthe edger configuration;

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the handgrip, handle, andbattery housing of the combination lawn trimmer and edger unit of thepresent invention;

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the shaft, trimmer housing,roller edge guide, and motor assembly of the combination lawn trimmerand edger unit of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the roller edge guide andmotor assembly of the combination lawn trimmer and edger unit of thepresent invention;

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the roller edge guide andlinehead assembly of the combination lawn trimmer and edger unit of thepresent invention;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the handle of the combination lawntrimmer and edger unit of the present invention, showing the taperedlocating came of the handle of the unit;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the handle pivot pin and locating slotsof the combination lawn trimmer and edger unit of the present invention;and,

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of thecombination lawn trimmer and edger unit of the present invention showingthe handle, switches, and thumb screws.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In describing the preferred and alternate embodiments of the presentinvention illustrated in the Figures, specific terminology is employedfor the sake of clarity. The invention, however, is not intended to belimited to the specific terminology so selected, and it is to beunderstood that each specific element includes all technical equivalentsthat operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose.

Shown in FIGS. 1-8 is a combination lawn trimmer and edger unit 10 ofthe present invention according to a first embodiment. Unit 10,generally, is provided with two sets of actuation and safety switches 40a, 40 b which, through their symmetrical location about shaft 120 ofunit 10, when used in association with multi-position accessory handle80 and control handle 20 of unit 10, allow the operator to easily flipor rotate unit 10 into a second operating position (from trimming modeto edging mode and vice versa), and, thereby, to maintain the controlsin the exact same position with respect to the operator. In this manner,the convenience to, and safety of, the operator is optimized in eitherposition.

Specifically, with first reference to FIGS. 1-3, unit 10 generallycomprises control handle 20, which is formed in two halves 20 a, 20 b.Integrally molded retainers 30 within control handle 20 retain twoswitches 40 a, 40 b. Halves 20 a, 20 b of control handle 20 are fastenedtogether, which results in switches 40 a, 40 b being captured in place.

Switches 40 a, 40 b are located symmetrically about shaft 120 of unit10. This arrangement will be seen to allow the operator of unit 10easily to rotate unit 10 about the axis of shaft 120; thereby, resultingin switches 40 a, 40 b, advantageously being in the same controlposition relative to the operator, and eliminating the necessity ofbeing required to hold the trimmer in an attitude that would causeunsafe or unmanageable operation.

Switches 40 a, 40 b are of a safety lockout type. In order for unit 10to function, one switch 40 a, 40 b must be in the enable trigger-lockrelease mode, whereupon the other switch 40 a, 40 b then acts like aconventional, trigger-type on/off switch. These functions are reversedupon rotation of unit 10, so that a trigger 40 a, 40 b is always in themost convenient position for the operator, regardless of whether unit 10is being used in the trimmer operating position or in the edgeroperating position. Accordingly, so long as one switch 40 a, 40 b is inthe enable mode and the other switch has the trigger engaged, unit 10will function.

Control handle 20 is connected at its lower end to the upper end ofbattery housing 60. Battery housing 60 is also preferably formed in twohalves 60 a, 60 b, which are fastened together. Integrally moldedbattery positioning retainers 63 hold battery 66 in place. Battery 66preferably comprises an elongated configuration and is positioned withinunit 10 so as to give unit 10 optimal operational balance. Becausebattery 66 is symmetrically located in-line with the center-line ofshaft 120, the user easily may rotate unit 10 between and amongst itstwo operating positions.

Battery housing halves 60 a, 60 b further comprise pivot pins 70 a, 70 bfor accessory handle 80. As best seen with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8,pivot pins 70 a, 70 b preferably are molded or otherwise affixed intobattery housing halves 60 a, 60 b. Accessory handle 80 simply snaps overpivot pins 70 a, 70 b.

Accessory handle 80 is held in an operator selected position by taperedlocating cams 90, which engage a first set of slots 100 on batteryhousing 60. A relatively small amount of force is all that is requiredto index accessory handle 80 to a second position. Once accessory handle80 has been indexed into its second position, tapered locating cams 90then engage a second set of slots 110, which hold accessory handle 80 inits second position.

The lower end of battery housing, 60 is fastened to the upper end ofshaft 120.

Referring next to FIG. 4, lower end of shaft 120 is affixed to the upperend of trimmer housing 130. Trimmer housing 130 preferably is formed intwo halves 130 a, 130 b, which are fastened together. Integrally moldedretainers 140 within two halves 130 a, 130 b of the trimmer housing 130hold motor mounting plate 150 in position. Openings 160 are provided topermit air to flow freely to motor assembly 170 for cooling.

Referring next to FIG. 5, motor mounting plate 150 is provided withopenings 155 to permit affixation and mounting of motor assembly 170.Accordingly, motor assembly 170 is affixed to the upper side of motormounting plate 150. The upper side of flange washer 180 contacts thelower side of motor mounting plate 150. The upper side of edging roller190 contacts the lower side of flange washer 180. Bottom flange 200contacts lower side of edging roller 190, and is affixed to the lowerside of motor mounting plate 150. In such position, bottom flange 200holds flange washer 180 and edging roller 190 in position, yet allowsedging roller 190 to freely rotate. Flange area 190 a of edging roller190 contacts the ground or other working surface and allows the operatorto maintain a uniform edge when unit 10 is used in the edging position.

Advantageous to the present invention, edging roller 190 is integral totrimmer housing 130 and is concentrically located about motor shaft 210.Edging roller 190 is of sufficient diameter to allow easy rolling onmost surfaces, while maintaining a consistent distance between thecutting plane and the object be edged around.

Accordingly, in edging mode, flanged edging roller 190 assists theoperator in creating a uniformly-trimmed edge, while eliminating theneed for complicated ancillary devices or techniques to perform thisfunction. Because of the previously described orientation, flangededging roller 190 can be of sufficient diameter to allow easy rolling onmost surfaces, while maintaining a consistent distance between thecutting plane and the object being edged, regardless of the angularorientation of the trimmer with respect to the operator or the workingplane.

It will be seen that motor shaft 210 extends through motor mountingplate 150, flange washer 180, edging roller 190, and bottom flange 200.Upper end of motor coupling 220 is attached to the end of motor shaft210.

Referring now to FIG. 6, linehead housing 230 overlies lower end ofmotor coupling 220 and is held in place by screw 240. Upper side oflinehead housing 230 has fan blades 250, preferably integrally moldedtherein to provide airflow to cool motor assembly 170. Linehead spool260 slips into linehead housing 230 and is held in place by tabs 270 onthe side of linehead cover 280, which further engage slots 290 inlinehead housing 230. Spring 300 is provided between linehead spool 260and linehead housing 230, in order to bias linehead spool 260 againstlinehead cover 280.

Line 310, which is used as the preferred cutting means, is wrapped aboutlinehead spool 260 and is then extended through hole 320 in lineheadhousing 230. Linehead housing 230, spring 300, linehead spool 260,linehead cover 280, and screw 240, accordingly, are seen to compriselinehead assembly 330.

When motor 170 is energized, linehead assembly 330 rotates, causing line310 to revolve about the axis of linehead spool 260. Spinning line 310may then be advanced by the user of unit 10 into the lawn area which isto be trimmed.

In operation, with unit 10 configured for use as a trimmer, the operatorgrasps accessory handle 20 and control handle 80. Switch 40 a, locatedupon the top of unit 10 is depressed by the operator's thumb. Switch 40b, located upon the bottom of unit 10 is used as a conventionaltrigger-type switch, and is depressed by the operator's index finger.Both switches 40 a, 40 b must be depressed for unit 10 to operate. Whenlinehead assembly 330 begins spinning, unit 10 may be moved fromside-to-side in a sweeping motion, and is thereafter advanced into thelawn area to be trimmed.

When the operator desires to use unit 10 as an edger, all that isnecessary is for the user to, index accessory handle 80 into the edgingposition and then rotate unit 10 by 180 degrees. Switches 40 a, 40 b areoperated as discussed hereinabove, their respective functions, however,being reversed. Since switches 40 a, 40 b are dual-acting, switch 40 ais now engaged by the operator's thumb, and switch 40 b is now on thebottom to be used as a conventional trigger-type switch. Both switchesmust be depressed, however, in order for unit 10 to operate.

In the edger position, when linehead housing 230 starts spinning, theuser rests circular area 190 b of edging roller 190 upon ahorizontally-oriented feature of an area to be edged. Flange 190 a ofedging roller 190 contacts a vertically-oriented feature of the area tobe edged and acts to guide unit 10, which results in a uniformly-trimmededge.

Referring next to FIG. 9, in an alternate embodiment designated unit410, accessory handle 480 rotates on shaft 120 and is held in therespective operating position by a standard detent mechanism of a typewell-known in the art. To change operating positions, the operatorsimply rotates accessory handle 480 about the axis of shaft 120 from afirst operating position to the second operating position. The angle ofaccessory handle 480 may be adjusted with respect to shaft 120 formaximum operator comfort by loosening thumbscrews 425, moving accessoryhandle 480 to the desired position, and re-tightening thumbscrews 425.

Both the edging and trimming operating positions have first switch 440 afor actuation and second switch 440 b for safety lockout purposes.Switches 440 a, 440 b are contained in control handle 420. Controlhandle 420 may comprise two symmetrical control handles designated 420t, 420 e such that in either operating position, the operator holds theexact same structure. Accordingly, switches 440 a, 440 b are in the samecontrol position relative to the user in either operating position. Inorder for unit 410 to function, one of actuation switches 440 a and itspaired safety lockout switch 440 b must both be engaged.

In operation, with unit 410 configured for use as a trimmer, theoperator grasps control handle 420 t and accessory handle 480. Switch440 b, located on the outer portion of control handle 420 t, isdepressed by the operator's thumb. Switch 440 a, located on the innerportion of control handle 420 t, is used as a conventional trigger-typeswitch, and is depressed by the operator's index finger. Both switches440 a, 440 b must be depressed for unit 410 to operate. When lineheadassembly 330 begins spinning, unit 410 may be moved from side-to-side ina sweeping motion, and is thereafter advanced into the lawn area to betrimmed.

When the operator desires to use unit 410 as an edger, all that isnecessary is for the operator to rotate accessory handle 480 into theedging position and to rotate unit 410 by 180 degrees. The operator thengrasps control handle 420 e. The opposing set of switches 440 a, 440 bare operated as described hereinabove. Once again, both switches 440 a,440 b must be engaged in order for unit 410 to operate.

In the edger position, when linehead housing 230 begins spinning, theuser rests circular area 190 b of edging roller 190 upon ahorizontally-oriented feature of an area to be edged. Flange 190 a ofedging roller 190 contacts a vertically-oriented feature of the area tobe edged and acts to guide unit 10, which results in a uniformly trimmededge.

It will be recognized by one ordinarily skilled in the art that thedisclosures made herein with regard to battery-operated combination linetrimmer and edger devices are equally applicable to devices driven byother means of motive force; including, but not limited to gasolineengines, or the like. Specifically, features comprising eitherindividually or in combination, a multi-position accessory handle; amulti-position control handle; a roller edge guide comprising a flangeof sufficient diameter to allow easy rolling while maintainingconsistent distance between the cutting plane and the object being edgedaround; and/or, motor actuation switches symmetrically located about thecontrol handle of the device are equally applicable to devices havingnon-battery powered engines.

It should also be noted that where parts are attached or fastenedtogether they may be riveted, screwed, snapped, glued, or otherwiseaffixed by any other equivalent means, known in the art, to accomplishthe attachment.

It should also be apparent to one ordinarily skilled in the art thatalternate cutting means may be utilized in lieu of the cutting linedisclosed by the above described several embodiments. Such alternatecutting means might include a blade or blades, plastic cutter orcutters, or the like.

Having thus described preferred embodiments of the present invention, itshould be noted by those skilled in the art that the within disclosuresare exemplary only, and that various other alternatives, adaptations,and modifications may be made within the scope of the present invention.Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to the specificembodiments illustrated herein, but is limited only by the followingclaims.

1. A combination lawn trimmer and edger comprising: (a.) a motor, saidmotor affixed to a shaft; (b.) a head for carrying cutting means, saidhead mechanically coupled to said motor and supported by said shaft;(c.) a control handle, said control handle operable in first and secondcontrol positions; (d.) an accessory handle operable between first andsecond positions; and, (e.) means for actuating said motor, whereby saidcombination lawn trimmer and edger may be used in a first, horizontalcutting plane position for lawn and weed trimming, and may be furtherused in a second, vertical cutting plane position for edging. 2-40.(canceled)